Mardi Gras Festivities Feb. 25-Mar.8 in Galveston to Include Eight New Parades

GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas – The 100th celebration of Mardi Gras! Galveston will take place Feb. 25 through Mar. 8 with 18 parades, eight of which are new to the event. Many of the parades will be held in the gated Uptown Entertainment District, where admission is $15 at the gate or $10 online in advance while tickets last. Parades that travel along Seawall Blvd. do not require admission. For the Mardi Gras! Galveston parade schedule, see below.

Mardi Gras! Galveston, the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas, is organized by the City of Galveston. This year’s event will include 26 concerts, 18 parades, 13 balcony parties and five elegant masked balls. For a full schedule of Mardi Gras! Galveston activities, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com.

The 100th celebration of Mardi Gras! Galveston will kick off with a parade to salute Galveston-born preservationist and developer George Mitchell. Mitchell was responsible for reviving Mardi Gras! Galveston in 1985 following a 44-year sabbatical imposed by war and challenging times. The parade will begin at The Tremont House and travel down The Strand.

NEW:Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, 8:30 p.m. (Entertainment District)

This funky parade, which will include a line of costumed participants carrying decorated umbrellas, is Mardi Gras! Galveston’s attempt to earn the Guinness Book of World Records title for the largest second line parade. Anyone can participate. All costumed participants will receive free entry to the entertainment district. Teams can register online at www.mardigrasgalveston.com. The parade will begin at 20th Street between Mechanic and Strand and travel through the entertainment district.

The pads and footballs have been put away but the celebration continues for the Pearland High School State Champion Football team. This parade will honor the team’s outstanding athletes and coaches. The parade will begin at 20th and Harborside Drive and continue through the entertainment district.

NEW: Krewe da’ Yaga’s Café Parade, 10 p.m. (Entertainment District)

The Krewe da’ Yaga’s Café parade will round off the first night of Mardi Gras! Galveston with a line of floats and entertainment organized by the Yaga’s Café family. The parade will begin at 20th and Harborside Drive and continue through the entertainment district.

This grand parade will include more than 80 units, including 20 marching bands. The colorful pageantry of the popular parade will spotlight 160 costumed krewe members and the regal Aquarius royal court. The parade will begin at Seawall Blvd. and 14th Street and travel along the Seawall to 59th Street.

NEW: “iheartradio krewe” Parade, 2 p.m. (Entertainment District)

This new parade will be presented by Houston’s hit radio station 94.5 FM The Buzz. The parade will begin at 20th and Harborside Drive and continue through the entertainment district.

The Houston Chronicle, the sixth largest newspaper in the United States, will present this new parade. The parade will begin at 20th and Harborside Drive and continue through the entertainment district.

Krewe of Gambrinus “Lights Up the Night” Parade, 6 p.m. (Seawall)

King Gambrinus will throw a party with bead throwing and a fireworks display. The parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 23rd Street to Central City Blvd.

Art Cars of Houston Parade, 8:30 p.m. (Entertainment District)

The streets will light up as the Art Cars of Houston make their Mardi Gras! Galveston debut in an evening parade. The parade will feature more than 25 fun, wacky Art Cars, many of which will glow and light up in unique ways. The parade will begin at 20th and Harborside Drive and continue through the entertainment district.

Sunday, February 27, 2011 (Family Day)

NEW: Sunshine Kids Parade, 1:30 p.m. (Entertainment District)

The Sunshine Kids Parade will kickoff “Family Day” at Mardi Gras! Galveston. The parade will be a tribute to children affected by cancer. Gate proceeds from Sunday will benefit The Sunshine Kids non-profit organization, which works to provide positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients. The parade will begin at 20th and Harborside Drive and continue through the entertainment district.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Quaker City String Band, 5 p.m. (Entertainment District)

Join The Tremont House for one the most popular performances during Mardi Gras! Galveston. The Quaker City String Band has performed in the Philadelphia Mummer’s Parade since 1931 and has been a part of Galveston’s Mardi Gras tradition since 1985. The parade starts in front of The Tremont House and travels through the entertainment district.

This parade will include floats from krewes and business, civic and fraternal organizations throughout the region. The parade begins at 26th Street and Santa Fe Place and travels through the entertainment district.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade, 11 a.m. (Seawall)

This parade will feature high-stepping marching bands, bead throwing and even some food throwing. The parade will start at Kempner Park, travel down Seawall Blvd then end at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Z Krewe 17th Z Processional, 1 p.m. (Entertainment District)

The Z Processional will make its way through the historic streets of Galveston with bands, bead throwing and merriment. The parade will begin at 25th and Mechanic streets and travel through the entertainment district.

Costumed pets of all sizes, shapes and species join in the fun for this parade and costume contest. The parade begins at 27th and Seawall Blvd. and travels along the Seawall to 47th Street.

Mardi Gras Children’s Parade, 2 p.m. (Seawall)

Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston with decorated floats and costumed kids. The parade begins at 27th and Seawall Blvd. and travels along the Seawall to 47th Street.